Backed by Russian airpower, the Syrian regime of President Bashar al-Assad is bearing down on Idlib, the last remaining rebel stronghold. It says it has forsworn transnational jihadist ambitions and is readying itself to focus on governing territory under its control. At least, this is what a recent conversation with Abu Muhammad al-Jolani, HTS’s leader, suggests. I made clear that we would focus exclusively on our struggle against the Syrian regime and its allies in Syria. When you walk around here in Idlib, pick any civilian and ask them what it means to them to live under regime control.

Source: The North Africa Journal February 20, 2020 20:37 UTC